Amy K. Pondering Her Future

Practicum has been very beneficial to me, especially for my senior year. I have been undecided of what I want to study in college and still am. Fortunately, Practicum has helped me in various ways to have a better interest of what to study for in college. I have visited multiple placements but one that really interested me for a career is special education. I worked with Ms. Knorr at all of my placements and she has been a great and helpful mentor to me. I had the chance to work with her students and see what her job is actually like. I enjoyed being able to work with the kids and actually experience part of her job for myself. I liked helping and leading the children with their work, it felt great to know I was making a difference. I want a career where I have the chance to work with and help people and special education is a good chance for me to be able to do so. Not only did I enjoy my placements with my mentor, I think deciding to interview her about her job has also helped me to lean towards special education. She told me about the rewarding and satisfying feeling she gets from doing her job-two feelings I would love to feel in my future career. Working and talking with Ms. Knorr has motivated me to keep special education something to consider in college and hopefully as a life time career. Also, I am a person who is patient, caring loving, and hard working. I believe that one day, I will be able to apply those personality traits not only into a career of special education, but any career. Although I am running out of time and will need to decide soon, the Practicum program has helped me to see careers that I do not like and careers that I should consider to look into for the future.

Sarah G. at Notre Dame's Special Education Program

This week in practicum, I had two field days and I went to Notre Dame both times. At first, special education was actually just a career I wanted to learn more about. I thought this because I was not sure if I was cut out to be a good special education teacher. It turned out that I absolutely loved it, everything about it actually. I went over and taught the boys math. It was so much fun. The boys were so great and welcoming I did not feel uncomfortable at all. The first day was when I really realized how much I actually did love it. It just such a rewarding job because you feel so good about yourself. You just feel so happy and proud that you made a difference in someone’s life. They were all so polite and they were the reason I loved it so much actually. They were great kids. I would love to have this as my career because it made me feel so good inside. The only thing I did not like was I wish I could have spent more time with them. It was such an amazing experience working the kids I wish I could have stayed longer.

After both of the visits, I realized this could be something that I might want my future career to be. I never thought of myself as someone that could be a teacher, but I realized how amazing of a job it actually was. This is definitely one of my top career choices now after my experiences at ND. I just have to make my final decision between a special education teacher and a nurse. I am so lucky and happy I got to work with that program because it opened my eyes to a million more opportunities and career choices.

GiAnna L.'s Experience at St. Eugene

This week we had the privilege of being in the field both days of class. I had a good experience at St. Eugene and learned that I need to be more confident in myself and the knowledge that I have in order to help the kids in the class room. I realized that I do know what I am talking about and I do have the skills it takes to be a teacher, I just need to apply them every day in order for the kids to be confident in me and in themselves. One thing that I truly enjoyed about this week was getting to teach the kids counting coins. It was a good experience because some kids understood it, so I got the pleasure of watching some grow, as well as getting the opportunity to work with those who struggled.

I loved being in the field this week and being around the kids. There was nothing that I could think of, in my week, that I did not enjoy. It was a very satisfying experience. I got to once again, work with the second grade teacher, Mrs. Glynn. She not only allows me to get involved but she also takes the time to sit and talk with me about my plans for the future and college. Once again this week I practiced being patient and had to think of different ways to help those who struggled. I learned that sometimes not ever concept works for all students and you are forced to think of ways on the spot.

This experience helped me to grow as a person because it made me realize that I have to be confident in myself in order for the kids to be confident in what I am teaching them. I have to make they trust me and I have to trust myself that I know enough to help them. Rereading my essay made me very pleased about the week I had but sad to see that Practicum is coming to an end and soon I will have to face this in the real world!

Magdalena R.'s Experience with the ABA

This week's Practicum experience was truly an amazing experience! I worked in the Marketing field with the American Bar Association. I learned many things specifically about what the ABA team does as well as what the job of Marketing/Management consists of.

I arrived at the Hilton in downtown Chicago to attend the ABA Tech Show. The show was set up for lawyers from all over the country. I worked with Mrs. Tami Behland who works as the Manager of Travel Services in the ABA company. Before her new position, she worked only with the Marketing part of the business. This week, I really enjoyed being able to see a job I'm interested in, in action. I was even able to help out with a few things around the ABA table.

As I thought more about what career would fit me for the future, I found it even more challenging. I found many of my personal skills useful in the job of Marketing or Managing. You need to be very organized to have everything running smoothly, you have to be able to talk to people with confidence and with persuasion, and you have to add your own creativity to grab peoples' attention. Although it is not the easiest major to find a job far, Mrs. Behland told me that it's important to start at the bottom and to go up from there. I really felt comfortable at the event and as if I could one day do a similar job. I know this is an amazing experience for someone of my age, and I am so thankful for it.

After this week, I have yet again realized that narrowing down my major or career choice will be very tough.

Rachel S. in Occupational Therapy

This week in practicum I got to experience something new. I went to the hospital and observed occupational therapy. At first, I was with Mary and she was working with a young girl. She was born with the top half of her thumb facing down. It is hard for her to move it and she goes to therapy once a week so try and work the knots out in her finger. First she was getting her thumbs massaged and then she started to put a gel on her thumb and used a machine to warm her thumbs. After that she use silly puddy to help the strength in her fingers. Another patient came in and she broke her elbow in the winter time so she had surgery on it. She goes to therapy for a larger amount of time than other people do because she needs to regain strength in her arm. I watched her work out on many different machines in the fitness center. One of the occupational therapists was telling me all of the different patients they could treat and how long they might have to work with the patient for.

I went to occupational therapy again on Thursday. This time I was with a woman who was a pediatrician occupational therapist which was more interesting to me than my first placement. A boy came in and he was diagnosed with autism. I felt like I could relate more with this form of occupational therapy because I am interested in special education. I also knew more about his disability. She explained many to me many of the reasons why they have to see occupational therapist and they are not always easy to work with when you first start with them. Their wrists function differently than others do so they do not like to write.

These placements were very different than my past ones. It opened me up to seeing other things that I was not aware of before. I know how lucky I am to have this inside view of so many different careers.

Jackie Z. at the Dentist

This week in Practicum I went to the dentist both days. Both times I worked with the hygienist, Joanne. The first time I was there, there wasn’t really anything going on. There was a family that was supposed to be there but they were running late. So as we were waiting Joanne was going over things people usually don’t do and lie to them about. As we were waiting she mentioned that people usually don’t floss and she asked me if I did and I told her I can’t really floss because I have my retainer. She then gave me a threader and taught me how to floss under the retainer. The family finally showed up, and I sat in on the appointment with a 16 year old girl named Allison. The whole time Joanne was talking about everything she goes through. Joanne also taught me how to use the threader again, while seeing it on a patient made more sense than doing it myself. Afterwards we had to take x-rays and Joanne took me into the black room and taught me how to get the x-rays. We had to take them out of the bite tabs, put them in the holders and then put them in a machine to have them processed. But we ran out of time, and I had to leave before the dentist could come in.

The second time I went I worked with Joanne again. This time I was there for two hours. I came in on the end of a patient and I came just in time to see what the dentist does. The patient explained that he was flossing and he had ripped a filling out while pulling the floss out of his teeth. So I was able to see the dentist put in a temporary filling on the patient. Afterwards Joanne showed me how they have to clean everything and that they have to keep their gloves on just in case the patient lies about some disease they have. We also had to set up for the next patient but this set up was different than the rest. The patient had implants and that is when they have fake teeth with titanium screws in their gums. Because of what the fake teeth are made of we had to take out a different set of tools to use. After the patient got there we had to take x-rays and develop them. While we were waiting Joanne taught me how they have to clean their tools in-between patients. Joanne also showed me how you floss implants and bridgework differently than regular teeth.

Working with Annie and Joanne has taught me so much and I know more now than I ever thought I would at this age. While working at this dentist office I have grown a liking towards dentistry and this is something I am really looking into. This has made me grow as a person because I am no longer confused with what I want to do.

Sara D. at the Chamber of Commerce in Edison Park

This week in Practicum I went to the Edison Park Chamber of Commerce. This was the first time at this placement. While at this placement we first talked about the other placements I have been to, and about what college I want to attend. Than we began to talk about what Alison, my mentor does. I told her that I knew they were in charge of Edison Park Fest, but they she told me about the other events she plans and how they plan Edison Park Fest. After talking for a while she had me help her with some work. I had to type the names and information of the family events that are going to be at Edison Park Fest in a Excel document. When I was done with that I had to type up another paper with names and information of people for an Ad Bag. Then before I left she asked me to take a letter to the mail box, so I went on a little walk around the block to the mailbox.

During this placement I learned that I am a lot better at Excel than I thought I was. I also learned that event planning is a lot of paper work and contacting of people. While I was doing the typing Alison was on the phone talking with different customers. The thing I enjoyed the most about this placement was that I kind of got a sneak peek at the events and different activities that will be at Edison Park Fest this year. This placement was very fun because I liked how I was able to be a part of the work and get it done for her. I worked with Alison and she is the event planner of the Edison Park Chamber of Commerce. During this placement I learned that you need to have a lot of patience and be able to communicate with people very well. For me my traits fit this because I am a patient person and even though I do not enjoy communicating with people I am still a good communicator when necessary.

This placement helped me to grow as a student because I believe that it is something that I might enjoy when I am older. I found it fun and exciting being able to get the first hands on, on things and large events. After rereading my reflection I feel very good about myself and I feel like this placement really fit me. I enjoyed it a lot.

Kelly B. in a Special Education Classroom

This week I was in the field twice. I attended child care and Sauganash Elementary School. Child Care was the same as it has been! I love seeing the kids and enjoy playing with each and every one of them. This week I went somewhere new and loved it! I went to Sauganash School and had so much fun. I worked with Mrs. Knorr, and MR. Kennedy. At first, I worked with Mr. Kennedy who had kindergartens, and first graders who all had disabilities. I got the chance to teach them about money. They were great kids! I didn’t want to leave. They were so sweet and listened so well. Even though they had disabilities, they were no different then any other young kid. They loved to smile and have fun, so I played games with them with the money so the lesson wasn’t so boring.

After their math lesson they went back to their regular class room to learn some more. I next worked with Mrs. Knorr. She teaches six, seventh, and eight graders, who all have disabilities. She has a very difficult and busy schedule. She has to make sure she has every lesson plan for every student and what they are learning in their current class rooms. I also got to see how she taught math. She sat at a table with the seventh graders and made it a visible lesson so the kids understood better. She pulled out blocks because she was teaching them about ratios. It was a great lesson!

Mrs. Knorr then showed me some of their notes and when they are in class with their peers, how the teacher makes it easier for them, but they also have to pay attention. In one boy’s notebook there was fill in the blank notes. If he had to write all the notes that his teacher had, he would have never been able to keep up. So she wrote most of the notes, and he just had to fill in key words. It was very unique to see how the teacher did this. I also thought it was very understanding and kind of her because she knows they do have disabilities and sometimes have hard times. Although these kids are very smart too, I got to learn a lot about they and I loved it. This placement was my favorite place to go!

Sara S. in Speech Pathology

This week at Speech Pathology I learned about myself that I am becoming more and more interested in this field. I also realized how much I loved working with the younger children at Speech because it is almost like a tutoring session and it is very upbeat and fun. One specific thing I enjoyed about my placement this week was that I was able to sit in on two sessions again. I worked with Carla again and I also worked with Marissa. The first session I went to was for Marissa’s patient who was a young boy. For Carla’s patient, it was another man who had a stroke and he has been going to therapy for a while so I was able to see how improved he was.

The natural roles and personality traits that I observed for myself in my placement this week were that I was very patient, understanding, excited, and helpful. These traits fit in with my placement because during my time with Marissa’s younger patient, I was able to help and join in their activities. This experience helped me grow as a person by realizing how mature and understanding you have to be with the younger kids and as a student by learning how to work with the kids to have them cooperate as much as they can. As a young adult nearing high school, this experience helped me grow by honestly narrowing down my choices with what I want to do and how I feel my personality would work with being a Speech Pathologist. By re-reading my essay I feel that I learned I am really interested in Speech Pathology especially in the pediatric field.

Luci C. in the Laboratory

In Practicum this week I was in the field. I went to the lab again but had to chance to experience I different section in the lab, the chemistry room. My experience was very cool because the lab tech I worked with showed me and taught me almost everything. During the week, we worked on college related stuff in the classroom. We talked about what college would fit us, and what qualities in a college will be perfect for us. I definitely learned a lot about a lab tech but I’m not sure if that career would totally fit me. I’m interested in that occupation but not entirely because I’m not that interested in chemistry.

One specific experience I really liked was when we started making our resumes in the classroom. I thought that was really cool and I was excited to start one for myself. I always wondered how to start one for myself and I always wanted too, I just didn’t know how or where to start. Something I didn’t really like this week was coming back early from the lab. I wish I got to switch to a different section of the laboratory instead of coming back to school.

This week I worked with a lab tech and her name was Diana. She has been working in that field for 30-40 years and you can tell she really loves what she’s doing. I asked her a lot of questions and she taught me a lot. She told me that she didn’t even go to college to be a lab tech, she wanted to be a business major and what made her change her mind was this pamphlet she found! I thought that was very interesting.

My experience helped me grow as a person because I feel like making a resume and going to a lab gets me to act more mature. It helps me grow as a student and a young adult because I’m starting to get more professional and serious about my future.

Kelly B. in Childcare

This week I was in the field, and I attended child care. I learned that I am able to connect with little kids. I am very good at remembering at all the kid’s names. I think I have a strong bind with all the kids there because I have been there three times. I also remember all of their names and as soon as I walk in they all run to me. I think once you spend time with the kids more than once they get use to you and they are not afraid to open themselves to you. They become very comfortable with you after a while. I think with this career you need a lot of patients. I think this because you are working with young children who do not understand everything yet. Also, with young children they like to make sure they get everything their way, but that’s where you need to teach them wrong from right otherwise they will never learn. I enjoyed being able to play and connect with the kids. I am able to see what toys and what activities they like to do best. For example one little boy loves to sing and read books, so I got to read a book with him and listen to him sing. I really enjoy myself when I am there, so I cannot say I did not like anything.

Some personality traits that come into play when I am there is smiling. With children you always have to have a smile with them and be friendly. If you come off as a bad vibe to them they will not feel comfortable with you. So, always be kind, friendly, and open. I think this experience has helped me grown as a person because now when I baby sit I have a new outlook on it. I know more things and can be more relaxed and friendly when I do baby sit. This experience has been great!

Katie H. at the Retirement Center

This week in practicum I went to the Resurrection Retirement Center to observe the work of the activities director as well as experience working with the elderly. I was nervous and excited to go to the retirement center because it was my first placement there. I really enjoyed my experience. When I arrived, each employee was very friendly and helpful in finding where I was supposed to go. When I met up with Rita, she told me a little about her career as she led me to the computer lab. She then instructed me to help and teach the elderly about any computer questions they have. I really loved working with the elderly because they were so kind and grateful for the help I gave them. It was rewarding to see the bright smiles on their faces. But I least enjoyed that I was not able to talk with Rita very much about her career and what her specific duties are. I wish I had more time with her!

On Wednesday, we stayed in the classroom and learned about resumes. We also began to create our own. I really enjoyed this because we learned about something that will soon be very useful to us. Also, by beginning a resume we are preparing for our future careers and finding all of the important details to put on a resume. Reflecting on the last week, I really enjoyed my experience at the retirement center. Also, I enjoyed learning about what to put on a resume. These events helped me prepare for life as a student nearing the end of high school. They have taught me what is important to say on a resume as well as brought up another career option for my future. I am very grateful that I had the opportunity to visit the Retirement Center.

Elena H. in Surgery

This week in practicum I was privileged enough to experience a BRAIN BIOPSY! This was the most interesting, fun, and exciting thing I have ever done. The entire experience just swept me off my feet and I really had the best time. I was in the field, in the O.R., with Linda Kane. She was so great at answering all of my questions, and I really appreciated all of her help. I learned that seeing a scalp cup open and all that blood (eek!) didn’t really phase me at all. I also learned tons about anesthesiology.

I learned that any type of medical field is a lot of schooling but for anesthesiology you can be a nurse anesthetist and work under a anesthesiologist. The thing that I obviously enjoyed the most was the brain biopsy and having the surgeon talk to me about what he was doing during the biopsy and showing me the inside the patients brain. He showed me how to pinpoint a tumor, where this person’s previous tumor was, and important parts of the brain. This week there was not a thing that I did not enjoy.

Class today was fun and I enjoyed writing my own resume. I worked with Linda Kane, as stated above. She was really informative, welcoming, helpful, and pleasant to shadow. I really enjoyed everything about my placement and the helping hand from her. Natural roles that I think come into play are lifelong learner, right hand person, and leader. I think those three natural roles will really allow me to excel in the medical field. This experience truly helped me grow as a young adult nearing high school graduation, because as each placement goes by, I become more and more aware of just what I wouldn’t mind doing for the rest of my life. As I re-read my essay, I feel very accomplished. All of the things that seemed impossible are now coming within reach and I couldn’t be happier.

Alicia G. at the Edison Park Chamber of Commerce

This week in Practicum we were in the field as well as in the classroom. In the classroom we made personal resumes and in the field I visited the career of Chamber of Commerce for the third time. I learned that Chamber of Commerce is a lot of researching deals, talking on the phone, and being good at making deals. I realized that I would enjoy a career that is more hands on rather than a career in which is most of the time behind a desk using a computer and phone all day.

One thing I enjoyed the most in my recent placement was helping her figure out things that could be modified at Edison Park Fest. We worked on this particular event which was cool because I have attended this event before.

The natural roles and personality traits I observed in this career are the ability to stay organized, being social, and having patience. Organization comes into play when organizing all the papers, receipts, and given information for each event that is being planned. Being social comes into play when there is constant interaction with other people in business in which you work with to make each event successful. And patience comes into play when having to constantly deal with different attitudes, complaints, and businesses when planning and running events. I believe my traits and roles do fit this career and that I would be good in working with people every day.

This made me grow as a person because I realized that Chamber could be a possible career for me. I grew as a student in the sense that I learned more about a career and an option that I could possibly live out in a future career. Lastly, this experience allowed me to grow as a young adult nearing high school graduation because it allowed me to know what career I could possible possess in the future.
After reading my weekly refection I feel like this week was a successful one.

Megan C. in Dentistry

I really enjoyed my experience in practicum this week; I had a lot of fun. This week on Tuesday I went to the dentist's office. I shadowed Mrs. Annie Davis at Dr. Biasello’s office. Mrs. Davis is a Dental Hygienist. I went to the dentist office that Mrs. Davis works at and I was able to shadow her and see what her job consisted of. When I got there Mrs. Davis was about to work on new patient to the dentist office. The patient came in for a teeth cleaning, and because she also was having pain with teeth because a couple of her teeth were sensitive. I was able to see what it is like when you get your teeth cleaned at the dentist. Mrs. Davis asked the patient questions such as when are her teeth sensitive, what type of tooth paste she uses, what type of tooth brush she uses, and she asked if the patient grinds her teeth. After asking the patient questions Mrs. Davis the Dental Hygienist, began to clean the patient’s teeth. She used tools to clean off plaque and also cleaned between the patient’s teeth and gums. The patient also got a paste put on her teeth that were sensitive to help take away the pain. After Mrs. Davis was done with cleaning the patient’s teeth Dr. Blasello who is a dentist came in to check the patient’s teeth. I also was able to talk to Mrs. Davis about what type of schooling it takes to be a Dental Hygienist.

This week I was only in the classroom on Thursday. We went over our placements for next week. Then we began to look at what a resume is made up off. Then once we saw all different types of resumes we went to the Tech lab and began to write our own resume. I found it a little challenging to write my resume trying to figure out what was best to put on it. I was proud of myself when I looked at all of the activities and volunteer work that I have participated in. I hope that my resume has all the right elements that will help me get a job. MY experience in practicum this week helped me grow as a person because I was able to look back and see all the activates that I was participated in that will maybe help me get a job in the future. My experience this week in practicum helped me grow as a student because I learned new fun exciting things at the dentist. Finally my experiences helped me grow as a young adult nearing high school graduation because I was able to shadow a Dental Hygienist and that is possible a career that I might want to have when I am older.

Meghan C. in the ER

This week in Practicum, we went to our first field placement. I was placed in the Emergency Department in the hospital. The ER was not very busy when I arrived or while I was there. I was nervous when I first arrived in the ER, but after a while I became more comfortable and began to ask questions. There were only three patients in ER while I was there. They had minor injuries. One women came in with back problems. She rested and was then gave a prescription for the pain. There was a older man that came in for kidney stones. The nurse told me that it is best to keep patients with kidney stones hydrated. The last patient I saw when I was in the ER, did not seem to no what was wrong with her. The nurses ran a EKG on her to try to discover what was wrong with her.

I learned that if I were to work in the ER I would need to get used to working at a fast pace. Also, I would need to be able to go with the flow because sometimes the ER is very busy and other times it is very slow. I believe that after a while I would be able to adapt to the ER and perform well in it. I learned that the ER is more than just one large room full of patients. There are different departments in the ER ranging from very serious to very minor, such as back pains. I expected the ER to be similar to the way it is depicted on television shows, but it was not like that. The thing I enjoyed the most about the ER is when the nurse would first get a case and she would explain to me how a good nurse is always a step ahead of the game. Mostly I liked when she would tell me the patients symptoms, such as a headache, and then she would have me guess what I should do, such as give the patient medicine, in order to discover what was wrong with them. I liked this because I got a taste of what ER nurses do. I did not like all the down time we had at the ER. Because of it being such a slow day, I feel like I missed out on some interesting things I could have seen and learned.

My mentor at the ER was nurse Jo. She was very informative. She would explain to me what she was doing and why. She would answer any questions I asked thoroughly. She gave me the reality of the ER in a nutshell. At the ER, I noticed that communication, quickness, and consistency are very important traits to have. Fortunately, I have all these traits. I communicated with patients, asking them how they were doing when the nurse told me. I was quick following the nurse around and observing. Lastly I am consistent. Everything that you do in the ER has to be documented for records. I believe a large majority of my personality traits are good for this career because I am very well with talking to others and I am responsible enough to fulfill all the requirements of this job.

This experience helped me grow as a person because it helped me see how important loving your job is. My mentor said that she loved her job and she was good at it too. She inspired me to really find something that I am passionate about and make it my career. After reading over my reflection, I feel that going to the ER was a very good experience for me to have. It gave me an opportunity, for the first time, to actually see a career I am interested in.

Katie H. Observes in the Family Birth Center

For my first placement I went to the Family Birth Center at Resurrection Hospital. Before I arrived, I was nervous about finding where I was supposed to go in the hospital and the things I was going to be doing. When I arrived there, I began working with Caitlin and Myra, two nurses who worked in the special care section for babies. In the special care room, nurses examine new babies as well as take care of babies with health problems or babies that a premature. I was able to observe the nurse as she examined a new born. I was able to see her measure his height and weight, take his temperature, and give him his first bath. I also observed two parents as they fed their premature son. I also saw a premature baby who was born nine weeks early and had to be kept in an incubator. In the incubator, the baby’s temperature and heart rate was constantly monitored.

Also, this week while in the classroom, we researched jobs in engineering. I learned a lot from this because I learned the specific jobs they have to do as well as the many different types of engineers there are. I most enjoyed observing the nurse as she examined the new born. I was able to learn about the process of examining a new born and the steps the nurses take to be sure the baby is in good health. I least enjoyed the research about engineering occupations. Although I learned many new things, I feel it was not important to me because I don’t have an interest in that specific field.

This experience helped me grow as a student nearing the end high school. I learned about the specific work nurses have to do in the family birth center and I was able to ask questions about their specific duties, shifts, opportunities, and schooling. Reflecting on the past week, I feel like I have gained more knowledge about different occupations, both ones I may or may not be interested in. This week I learned a lot about careers and myself. This week definitely made me think more about my future career and provided me with a great opportunity to see, first hand, a career I am interested in.

Rachael K. in a Special Education Classroom

I’ve officially had my first placement. I am the happiest girl in the world. But really, I loved it. I had the chance to work in both a 3rd-5th grade special education classroom, along with a 6th-8th one. The first thing I noticed was that the students were all in different sections of the classroom. Fifth graders were in one corner and the two third grade girls were sitting at desks. I was immediately introduced to the class and was astonished with how many questions they had for me. "Do you want to be a teacher?" "Do you play any instruments?" "Are you coming back to visit us?" Plus, Ms. Knorr introduced me as Miss Rachael and my heart melted.

The class was comparing George Washington and Abraham Lincoln using a “T chart” for organizational purposes. Obviously the 3rd graders were learning at a slower pace than the older kids, and they did different activities that were still on the same topic of Presidents. I was told to read to the third grade girls and constantly asked them question after question every two pages or so. I loved being able to work with the kids, probably because of my extrovert personality.

Being patient, kind and enjoyable are major areas that teachers need to be able to accomplish. It also doesn’t hurt to keep the children, and yourself, organized. I was extremely impressed with the system Ms. Vanecko,3rd-5th grade special education teacher, had because it was so orderly. Although I loved observing and helping the kids today, I’m still anxious to get into an Early Childhood Special Ed. classroom, so that would be my only negative.

Looking back at my experience today I am 100% sure that I would love to go into the Education field, especially with Special Ed. I’m just not too sure as to what age group to study. Thankfully I have this program to help me decide.

Mia M. on Careers and Shadowing a Physician's Assistant

My experience in practicum this week was very enjoyable and interesting. I was in the field for the first time, and I shadowed Tracy Buxton, a Physician Assistant. Besides being in the field, I researched information about engineering, as well as information about the fifty best jobs of 2011. I felt like this week was very productive and informational
In the field, I learned many things about being a physician assistant. Tracy talked to me a lot about the educational requirements and the daily tasks that she performs on the job. I also had the opportunity to shadow Tracy as she treated two patients, which was very cool. I like the fact that there is a lot of diversity and flexibility in this job. Tracy also told me that this career is growing which is definitely good news. Because a physician assistant is not a doctor, there is also the opportunity to have time to your self. I was glad to hear this because that is really important to me. I don’t want my job to consume every minute of every day. As I shadowed Tracy, I enjoyed her role and tasks that she performed and I felt comfortable in the atmosphere. I observed that my natural roles fit in well with this career. I am useful, energetic, independent, and alert which are all required in being a physician assistant. Tracy also told me that you learn from experience, and one of my character traits is that I learn by doing. This job was very enjoyable, and I think I would make a good physician assistant.

Another activity I enjoyed this week was learning about different careers. I learned about the jobs that are expanding and offer well rewarded salaries. I found this information very useful and interesting. I discovered that I have an interest in physical therapy. I like that, as a physical therapist, I would be able to utilize my social skills as well as implement medical knowledge. Also, physical therapists make a very decent salary. I cannot wait to shadow physical therapy because I definitely vision it as a future career.

My experiences this week helped me to grow as a student. Tracy talked to me a lot about education which inspired me to remain focused and diligent. Sometimes I get stressed or discouraged and my focus strays off course, but Tracy gave me that little push I needed. I feel like this week was really useful and I am excited to keep learning about different careers.

Theresa L.: Realizations about Occupational Therapy

Before going to OT for placement, I had been considering it as something I may pursue as a career. And while it was fun to watch Minnie with her patients, it made me realize this career isn’t the one for me. Because occupational therapy focuses more on the upper body, OT’s do a lot of sitting, which I can’t do for long periods. OT requires a lot of patience, as some of the procedures can take longer than others, and quite a bit of observation. While Minnie did ask her patients questions and gave them tests to do, she also watched how they were doing throughout it.

Being able to watch an occupational therapist work was a bit eye-opening to me. It showed me that just because something sounds good, doesn’t mean it is always right for you. Looking back on this reflection, I am grateful that I had the chance to go and watch OT at work. While it may not have been the right fit for me, it was still a great experience and I really enjoyed it.

Amanda T. Reflects on Nursing

On Thursday, I went to the Resurrection hospital family practice. Here, I worked mostly with Jenny, RN and a couple other nurses. When I first got there I shadowed a nurse who was taking care of a patient. This patient was not feeling well and did not know what was wrong. I watched the nurse take some tests in the lab. The tests came up negative and the nurse still could not figure out what was wrong so I watched her take blood from the patient for another test. While waiting for results, the nurse showed me how to prepare a room and where all of the supplies are located. At the end of the placement I talked to a couple of nurses and learned their backgrounds and was able to ask questions.

I learned that I really enjoyed going to family practice. Also, I learned that I am comfortable in this type of setting. Nursing can sometimes be demanding however the day that I visited, they were slow. Furthermore, I learned that nursing gives you many job opportunities and is not limiting. The thing that I enjoyed the most was doing the tests.

Kelly T. on Being a Math Teacher

On Thursday I went to Immaculate Conception. At IC, I went to the 8th grade math class with Mrs. Bott. In the classroom, I observed the students learning how to add, subtract, multiply, and divide exponents. Also, in IC they are currently working with stocks. After the math class, the students went to their auditorium and Skyped with a stock broker, Mr. Paul Benson. The students asked him different questions on how the stock market works and he gladly answered them. This was a neat thing to watch. I picked up some helpful tips from him that I can use in my stocks. I learned that math is not an easy subject to teach because the children need to have full attention to every detail given. The students also had many questions which tells me that to be able to be this teacher I need, patience, care, and I have to be able to understand what the students need. I most enjoyed watching the teacher help the students. I didn’t enjoy though, how she taught the class. For me, I thought it was very boring and just a hard class to sit through. I observed my own natural talents and personality traits being used by the way I had to help the students. I observed that I am very patient, and caring with the students.
This experience helped me grow as a person by showing me how truly honored I am to be able to receive such a good education that I knew how to do the math. I know it is only 8th grade math but I felt really good about myself going in there and knowing everything they were doing. I also grew as a student because I had to act respectable adult going into this school and I had to be on my best behavior to show a good image for Resurrection. That also helped me grow as a young adult nearing high school graduation. After rereading this reflection, I feel very connected to becoming a math teacher. I love math, I love helping people. I love supporting others as well. It made me feel good to be needed.

Patti Wants a Career in Social Work

This week in Practicum, I went to the hospital for Social Work. It was an amazing experience. It made me realize that that is what I want to do with my future. My mentor this week was Patty Hallaghan. We worked with older people who need to be released from the hospital. She took care of each and one of them and making sure that they would be safe and healthy. Patty made her career an interesting one; I would not forget what she taught me. I left there with a different view on certain aspects of the job.

Everything that Patty and I did was worth it. I liked everything she taught me, there was nothing that disappointed me in anyway. It made me think of the future in the career for me. She made me want to try my hardest at becoming a Social Worker and knowing that it will be tough in school and that it is worth it, especially individuals who need it the most. I am excited to go again.